Energy auditors in demand

A push for stronger energy building codes and funding for weatherization projects is creating a higher need for energy auditors.

Thu, Jul 23 2009 at 9:00 AM EST

Photo: justinbaeder/Flickr

Weatherization projects are one of the focal points of the training provided under the Green Jobs Act of 2007. According to Van Jones, the White House special advisor for Green Jobs, the weatherization green jobs training will provide a pathway out of poverty for some Americans who are currently unemployed or underemployed.

While the weatherization projects are just one way for energy auditors to stay employed, stronger energy-related building codes are also leading to an increase in demand for energy inspectors. A recent article from the Energy & Environment section of the New York Times examines the role that these energy-specific inspectors play in building projects.

John Umphress found a gap in wall during an inspection of a property in Austin, Texas. “Mr. Umphress is a particular kind of inspector, an energy auditor, and Austin, with one of the toughest building codes in the country, requires an energy inspection before a building can be occupied.” Source: New York Times

A variety of organizations are providing energy auditing training, including the Veterans Green Jobs Academy. In June, the first class of students of the Veterans Green Jobs Academy in Colorado graduated. The 15 veterans completed an eight-week training program and are now prepared to enter the workforce providing energy audits to customers.

Even after the Recovery Act funding that has been set aside for green jobs training and weatherization funding runs out, the energy auditors are likely to have a steady stream of employment. As the green building trend continues to grow, states are likely to begin enforcing stronger energy-related building codes. In order to ensure that buildings are up to code, separate energy inspections will probably be required.

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